BANFF, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - Dec. 20, 2008) - The Honourable Jim Prentice, Canada's Environment Minister, Minister responsible for Parks Canada and Minister responsible for Southern Alberta, along with Blake Richards, Member of Parliament for Wild Rose, today announced advances being made on Trans-Canada Highway (TCH) twinning in Banff National Park.

"The Trans-Canada Twinning Project in Banff National Park is critical to human and wildlife safety and for the efficient flow of travel and trade on Canada's national highway," said Minister Prentice. "With the work being done this winter, we are poised to build on the progress already made and ensure construction continues without delay next spring."

Nine kilometres of twinning work currently underway in Banff National Park, is scheduled for completion in spring 2009. The next phase, beginning immediately, will see the twinning of an additional 14 kilometres of highway west of Castle Junction, provide a minimum of eight additional wildlife crossing structures and will complete the twinning on this heavily used roadway up to Lake Louise. As well, clearing and gravel crushing work and structure design work to support the next phase of twinning is occurring this winter. Work is expected to be completed by 2013.

This project was made possible through a $100 million investment announced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in August 2008. The investment is part of the Government's unprecedented $33 billion Building Canada infrastructure plan.

"This is the largest investment ever made to Trans-Canada Highway twinning in Banff National Park," said Mr. Richards. "This project is yet another example of how our government is working to deliver infrastructure projects that will stimulate our economy, create jobs and ensure the safety of Canadians traveling on our roadways."

Minister Prentice also recognized the project's Stakeholder Advisory Committee for their efforts in working towards a common goal and confirmed a commitment to the objectives of the project: improving motorist safety, reducing highway wildlife mortality and habitat fragmentation, and improving the flow of goods and services.

"The Trans-Canada Highway twinning project in Banff would not have been possible without the support of the TCH Stakeholder Advisory Committee and the Siksika First Nation," said Minister Prentice. "These groups represent a cross-section of interested parties that came together to express a strong consensus for the project objectives."

Banff National Park is part of a system of national parks, national marine conservation areas and national historic sites that is recognized as one of the finest and most extensive systems of protected areas in the world. Parks Canada works to ensure Canada's cultural and natural heritage are presented and protected for the enjoyment, education and appreciation of all Canadians, today and in the future.